Orbeta, Lloyd

23104968
MAPS 605-615-629 Joint Assessment

Abstract

This essay explores the detrimental impact of neoliberal economic policies on labor
rights in the Philippines. Deregulation, trade liberalization, and a focus on foreign investment
have weakened worker protections, leading to precarious work, stagnant wages, and rising
inequality (Bello, 2004; Hutchcroft, 1998; Ofreneo, 2010).

The essay contrasts this with Germany's co-determination model, where worker
representatives hold seats on corporate boards and participate in shop floor decision-making
through works councils (Jäger, Noy, and Schoefer, 2022a; ETUI,2020; Visser, 2021). This
system demonstrates that strong worker rights and economic competitiveness can
coexist. Co-determination empowers workers, fosters collaboration (Page, 2018), and
potentially benefits both businesses and employees (Müller-Jentsch, 2005).

While directly adopting the German model might be challenging due to the
Philippines' weaker labor movement (Josheski, 2012), the core principles offer a viable path
forward. A phased approach could involve strengthening labor laws
(ILO, 2019), empowering civil society organizations that support workers (Garcia, 2004), and
piloting co-determination structures in key sectors (Jäger, Noy, & Schoefer, 2022a). This
approach could also reduce reliance on exploitative migrant labor (Bello et al., 2014) by
creating better domestic jobs.

The essay acknowledges potential critiques of co-determination (Kraft et al., 2019;

Elson et al., 2015), emphasizing the need for a tailored approach that considers the unique
context of the Philippines. However, it argues that the potential benefits of co-
determination, such as greater worker empowerment, reduced inequality, and a more
sustainable economic model (Page, 2018), make it a compelling alternative to the current
neoliberal trajectory.